Cabinets are important not only for kitchen storage, but also for the aesthetic of the space. When selecting cabinet doors, you’ll need to choose the material, frame style, and door panel kind. These features will affect how the final product looks. If you need help deciding the different components of your new doors, here’s a guide to some of your options and how they’ll affect the appearance of the units.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Features to Decide

Materials

Hardwood is the most costly choice for cabinet doors. You can choose solid hardwood from several types of trees, including cherry, maple, oak, and pine. Each wood has a different color, allowing you to match your units to your dining table, floors, or other decor. This option offers added durability because scratches, stains, and other blemishes can be concealed with sanding and refinishing.

Another popular material is engineered wood, which includes particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). This product is created by compressing wood particles like sawdust together. This makes it much more affordable than hardwood, but it cannot be refinished. It also comes in different colors to mimic the appearance of hardwood.

Panel Styles

With a raised panel, the center panel is set higher than the frame. This is typically used in traditional kitchens and has been popular for decades. In a recessed panel, however, the center is lower than or flush with the frame. This creates a more contemporary look.

You can even go frameless with a slab panel cabinet door. In this option, one solid piece of wood is attached directly to the cabinet sides. Since it’s smooth and has no panel, this option is great for no-frills spaces.

Frame Styles

Full overlay cabinet doors almost completely cover the cabinet face. The result is a smooth, contemporary appearance with minimal gaps between doors. On the other hand, standard overlay doors only partially cover the face frame. Therefore, gaps between doors are larger, which may help those with mobility issues open them.

You can also pick an inset frame, which has no overlay. Cabinet doors sit flush with the frame openings. Shaker cabinets use this type of frame.

If you are looking for expert advice on cabinets, turn to the professionals at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. Serving residents of the Hartford County, CT, area, this home remodeling contractor provides cabinet refacing and design, along with a wide array of other kitchen and bathroom remodeling services. Learn more about their work by visiting their website, or call (860) 680-8745 to schedule a free one-hour design consultation.